Portable sink container

ABSTRACT

A portable container for use in a sink is described. The sink has predetermined inner dimensions and a sink drain. The sink drain has an inlet with predetermined inner dimensions. The container comprises a bottom, sides, and a top opening. The bottom has a drain. The container bottom is formed with outer dimensions less than the predetermined inner dimensions of the sink such that the container may substantially fit in the sink. The container drain is formed protruding outwardly from the container bottom with an outlet, and, the outlet has outer dimensions less than the predetermined inner dimensions of the sink drain inlet such that the container drain outlet may substantially fit within the sink drain inlet.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to open top portable containers such as pots, pans and small tubs etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Portable open top containers such as pots, pans and small tubs have been around for hundreds, if not thousands of years, and used for various purposes including carrying and or containment of items in solid and/or liquid forms, and for washing or cleaning something in a contained environment. The latter being contemplated herein whereby one may be able to wash or clean something with a washing agent such as water in a container and thus contain the washing agent and any washing residue in the container. For example, if one was painting with latex paint using rollers and a brush and wanted to clean the rollers and brush, it's common for one to wash paint rollers and brushes in a household sink with water. This usually makes a big mess leaving paint and washing residue in the sink, thus requiring the sink to be thoroughly cleaned after the rollers and brushes are cleaned. Now, If one were to use a small open top container placed in the sink, this could minimize the mess and reduce paint and washing residue in the sink, but the paint and washing residue would still end up in the sink if the container were overfilled and/or emptied into the sink when done. Also, the container would still have to be washed out with the cleaning agent, and washing residue would end up in the sink again if dumped there. Accordingly, there is a need for containers that may be used for carrying and/or containment of items in solid and/or liquid forms and for washing or cleaning something in a contained environment, with the added provision(s) to control overfill, disposal of the washing agent and residue, and the cleaning of the container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one example embodiment, the present invention is a portable container for use in a kitchen sink. The kitchen sink has predetermined inner dimensions and a sink drain. The sink drain has an inlet with predetermined inner dimensions. The container comprises a bottom, sides, and a top opening. The bottom has a drain. The container bottom and sides are formed with outer dimensions less than the predetermined inner dimensions of the kitchen sink such that the container may substantially fit in the kitchen sink. The container drain is formed protruding outwardly from the container bottom with an outlet, and, the outlet has outer dimensions less than the predetermined inner dimensions of the sink drain inlet such that the container drain outlet may substantially fit in the sink drain inlet.

Considering the present invention above, Applicant considers the following objectives.

It is an important objective of the present invention that it be structured for carrying items in solid and/or liquid forms.

It is another important objective of the present invention that it be structured for containment (at least temporarily) of items in solid and/or liquid forms.

It is another important objective of the present invention that it be structured for washing and cleaning something therein.

It is another important objective of the present invention that some preferred embodiments be structured small enough to substantially fit in a household sink; and, be structured large enough for standard size paint rollers to be washed therein.

It is yet another objective of the present invention that it be cost-efficient to manufacture and commercially viable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is more fully understood when the specification herein is taken in conjunction with the drawings appended hereto, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a front cross-section view of a household kitchen sink.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of the household kitchen sink shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a front cross-section view of a present invention portable, sink container.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the present invention portable, sink container shown in FIG. 3.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show the present invention portable sink container shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, positioned in the household sink shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 respectively.

FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 10 each show a different, example of a present invention portable, sink container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various drawings provided herein are for the purpose of illustrating possible embodiments of the present invention and not for the purpose of limiting same. Therefore, the drawings herein represent only a few of the many possible embodiments, variations and/or applications of the present invention.

Referring now to both FIGS. 1 and 2 together, FIGS. 1 shows a front cross-section view of a household kitchen sink, and, FIG. 2 shows a top view of the household kitchen sink shown in FIG. 1. Kitchen sink 1 is rectangular with inner length dimension D2, and inner width dimension D1. As will be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, these D1 and D2 dimensions are important and will influence certain dimensions of the present invention portable sink container shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Sink 1 has a drain 3 with an inlet 5. Inlet 5 is round and has a width dimension D3. As will be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, this D3 dimension is also important and will influence certain dimensions of present invention portable sink container shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4 together, FIG. 3 shows a front cross-section view of a present invention portable sink container; and, FIG. 4 shows a top view of the present invention portable sink container shown in FIG. 3. Portable sink container 21 has a bottom 23 and four sides 25, 27, 29 and 31. In this embodiment of the present invention, portable sink container 21 is rectangular with length dimension D5 and width dimension D6. Container 21 also has a drain 35 with an outlet 37 which has an outer dimension D7 as shown. In this embodiment of the present invention, drain 35 is provided means for straining solid matter from exiting the container thereof with straining holes such as straining hole 39. Container 21 may be used for carrying or containing items in solid and/or liquid forms; and or, may be used for washing and cleaning something therein. In this embodiment, container 21 is molded from a plastic material with an upper lip 33 for rigidity to be cost-efficient and commercially viable. Nonetheless, this is simply one example embodiment and there are many other materials and/or manufacturing methods that could also be used.

FIGS. 5 and 6 together show the present invention portable sink container shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, positioned in the household sink shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 respectively. Some of the reference numbers shown in the earlier views are intentionally omitted so as not to crowd the drawings. Container 21 has its bottom and sides formed with outer dimensions less than the predetermined inner dimensions of kitchen sink 1 so that container 21 may substantially fit in kitchen sink 1. Therefore, when looking back at FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4 together, dimension D5 of container 21 is less than dimension D2 of sink 1; and, dimension D6 of container 21 is less than dimension D1 of sink 1 so that container 21 may substantially fit in kitchen sink 1. This is an important feature of the present invention portable sink container that it's bottom and sides are formed with outer dimensions less than the predetermined inner dimensions of the kitchen sink(s) it is intended to substantially fit in. Although preferred embodiments of the present invention container are structured to substantially fit within a kitchen sink, it's not necessary for the entire container to fit within the sink. For example, a container may have an enlarged upper end, a rolled outer edge or lip that may extend outside the inner dimensions of a sink and over the top surface of a sink while the bottom and sides of the container substantially fit in the sink. Such an embodiment should not depart from the scope of the present invention. Also, the height of the present invention portable sink container not fit totally within the sink but may be taller (or shorter) than the sink, provided that the container does not obstruct use of a faucet attached to the sink. Many kitchen sinks have a standard top opening with at least one across width dimension of about 16 inches. Accordingly, if the present invention portable sink container is to substantially fit in a kitchen sink with a standard top opening, the container would have at least one outer width dimension equal to or less than sixteen (16) inches.

Also, in FIG. 5 it can be seen that the outlet 37 of drain 35 of container 21 fits within the inlet of drain 3 of sink 1. Accordingly, if a container is structured to substantially fit within a common sink, and, the container has a drain outlet structured to substantially fit within the drain inlet of the sink, then one can wash something in the container using a sink faucet (not shown) and the water and washing residue would effectively drain out the container drain into the sink drain. Such a container device would keep a sink clean and eliminate the need to clean the sink after something is cleaned in the container. Since many kitchen sinks have a standard size drain with an inlet of about 3.5 inches across, the outlet of the present invention portable sink container should be less than 4 inches across, and more preferably less than 3.5 inches across so that the outlet of the container can substantially fit within the inlet of the sink.

Applicant contemplates many uses for the present invention portable sink container including the washing and cleaning of various items for example paint brushes and rollers. It's common for people to wash their paint brushes and rollers in a kitchen sink, which makes a big mess in the kitchen sink requiring a thorough cleaning of the kitchen sink after the brushes and rollers are cleaned. The present invention portable sink container eliminates this requirement. Because the cleaning of paint rollers and brushes is considered, some embodiments of the present invention container should be large enough for a 9 inch standard roller to be cleaned lying down therein. Accordingly, in some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable sink container, the container has at least one inner across width dimension equal to or greater than 9 inches to facilitate the cleaning of a standard 9 inch roller lying down. And as mentioned before, many kitchen sinks have a standard top opening with at least one across width dimension of about 16 inches. Accordingly, if the present invention portable sink container is to substantially fit in a kitchen sink with a standard top opening, and be large enough to facilitate the cleaning of a standard 9 inch roller laying down, such an embodiment of the present invention container would be structured having at least one inner width dimension equal to or greater than nine (9) inches; and, at least one outer width dimension equal to or less than sixteen (16) inches.

Applicant further contemplates some embodiments of the present invention having special features such as cavities and protrusions to facilitate drainage and drying of a roller or rollers in an upright position. Applicant further contemplates some embodiments of the present invention having special features such as hooks or devices on the sidewalls (not shown) to temporarily hold a brush in an upright position for drainage and drying. Applicant further contemplates some preferred embodiments of the present invention having means for temporarily stopping drainage from the container. That means could simply be a drain plug physically connected to the container as shown in FIG. 10, or a valve type device, etc.

FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 10 each show a different, example of a present invention portable, sink container. FIG. 7 shows a round container with molded built in drain and straining slots. FIG. 8 shows an oval shaped container with drain and straining holes. FIG. 9 shows a rectangular container with side handles to facilitate usage at a work site, and has a drain with straining holes and structural provisions to temporarily hold two paint rollers upright for drying after cleaning. And, FIG. 10 shows a square container with offset drain with straining holes. The container also has a drain plug attached to a plastic chain for stopping drainage from the container as desired by the user.

When considering the present invention, simplicity and obviousness should not be confused or considered the same. Accordingly, the novelty and complexity of the present invention must be measured by the combination of structure and function resulting from the many interrelated objectives set forth herein.

Upon reading and understanding the specification of the present invention described above, modifications and alterations will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is intended that all such modifications and alterations be included insofar as they come within the scope of the patent as claimed or the equivalence thereof. 

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A portable container for use in a sink, said sink having predetermined inner dimensions and a sink drain, said sink drain having an inlet with predetermined inner dimensions, said container comprising a bottom, sides, and a top opening, said bottom comprising a drain, said container bottom being formed with outer dimensions less than the predetermined inner dimensions of said sink such that said container may substantially fit in said sink, said container drain being formed protruding outwardly from said container bottom with an outlet, and, said outlet having outer dimensions less than the predetermined inner dimensions of said sink drain inlet such that said container drain outlet may substantially fit in said sink drain inlet.
 22. The portable container of claim 21, wherein the outlet of said container drain has a maximum outer width dimension, and that maximum outer width dimension is equal to or less than four (4) inches.
 23. The portable container of claim 21, wherein the container has at least one outer width dimension equal to or less than sixteen (16) inches.
 24. The portable container of claim 21, wherein said container has at least one inner width dimension equal to or greater than nine (9) inches.
 25. The portable container of claim 21, wherein the container has at least one outer width dimension equal to or less than sixteen (16) inches; and, at least one inner width dimension equal to or greater than nine (9) inches.
 26. The portable container of claim 21, wherein said container drain is provided means for straining solid matter from exiting the container thereof.
 27. The portable container of claim 21, wherein said container is formed with at least two opposing sides substantially parallel to each other.
 28. The portable container of claim 21, wherein said container is molded with said drain molded therein.
 29. The portable container of claim 21, wherein the container is provided means for temporarily stopping drainage from said drain.
 30. A portable container for use in a sink, said sink having predetermined inner dimensions and a sink drain, said sink drain having an inlet with predetermined inner dimensions, said container comprising a bottom, sides, and a top opening, said bottom comprising a drain, said container bottom being formed with outer dimensions less than the predetermined inner dimensions of said sink such that said container may substantially fit in said sink, said container drain being formed protruding outwardly from said container bottom with an outlet, said outlet having outer dimensions less than the predetermined inner dimensions of said sink drain inlet such that said container drain outlet may substantially fit in said sink drain inlet, the outlet of said container drain having a maximum outer width dimension equal to or less than four (4) inches, and, the container having at least one outer width dimension equal to or less than sixteen (16) inches.
 31. The portable container of claim 30, wherein said container has at least one inner width dimension equal to or greater than nine (9) inches.
 32. The portable container of claim 30, wherein said container drain is provided means for straining solid matter from exiting the container thereof.
 33. The portable container of claim 30, wherein said container is formed with at least two opposing sides substantially parallel to each other when viewed from a top view thereof.
 34. The portable container of claim 30, wherein said container is molded with said drain molded therein.
 35. The portable container of claim 30, wherein the container is provided means for temporarily stopping drainage from said drain.
 36. The portable container of claim 31, wherein said container drain is provided means for straining solid matter from exiting the container thereof.
 37. The portable container of claim 31, wherein said container is formed with at least two opposing sides substantially parallel to each other.
 38. The portable container of claim 31, wherein said container is molded with said drain molded therein.
 39. The portable container of claim 31, wherein the container is provided means for temporarily stopping drainage from said drain.
 40. A portable container for use in a sink, said sink having predetermined inner dimensions and a sink drain, said sink drain having an inlet with predetermined inner dimensions, said container comprising a bottom, sides, and a top opening, said bottom comprising a drain, said container bottom being formed with outer dimensions less than the predetermined inner dimensions of said sink such that said container may substantially fit in said sink, said container drain being formed protruding outwardly from said container bottom with an outlet, said outlet having outer dimensions less than the predetermined inner dimensions of said sink drain inlet such that said container drain outlet may substantially fit in said sink drain inlet, the outlet of said container drain having a maximum outer width dimension equal to or less than four (4) inches, the container having at least one outer width dimension equal to or less than sixteen (16) inches, the container having at least one inner width dimension equal to or greater than nine (9) inches, said container drain being provided means for straining solid matter from exiting the container thereof, and, said container being molded with said drain molded therein and at least two opposing sides substantially parallel to each other when viewed from a top view thereof. 